Quebec Premier François Legault will walk in Montreal’s Pride Parade this Sunday, for the first time in his 20-year political career. A spokesperson for Legault’s cabinet confirmed the news, as reported by the Journal de Québec.
The Quebec government is renewing its financial aid to the Pride Montreal Festival, to the tune of $1.6 million this year.
Éric Pineault, President of Pride Montreal, told 98.5 FM's Paul Arcand this morning that he is pleased the Premier will be participating this year. However, he also added that his organization and the LGBTQ2+ community at large don’t always see eye to eye with the provincial government’s policies.
He cited Bill 21 as a reason why some in the community may not welcome Mr. Legault to the parade. However, he added that it was better, in his view, to build bridges than to burn them. You can listen to his full interview here (in French).
Last year, Legault was criticized for his absence by Pride Montreal’s vice-president, Jean-Sébastien Boudreault. Every Quebec Premier since Pauline Marois has marched in this symbolic annual event.
The Montreal Pride Parade will happen this Sunday, August 18, on Sainte-Catherine Street.